Planting Potatoes
Planting potatoes can be a rewarding endeavor for gardeners, offering the satisfaction of harvesting your own crop. UT Extension Area Specialist Walter Battle walks through the steps involved in growing potatoes, from choosing the right time to harvest and storage considerations.
Choosing the Right Time to Plant
Potatoes can be planted early in the spring when the days are warmer, but there is still the chance for a light frost. Potatoes can tolerate light frost, making them resilient to cooler temperatures. In the Mid-South region, March is typically considered an ideal time to plant potatoes. However, depending on the weather, planting can extend into late February or early April. For those aiming for a fall harvest, planting in late July, or about 3 months before frost, is also an option.
Selecting Seed Potatoes
When selecting potatoes for planting, avoid using store-bought varieties, as they are often treated to prevent sprouting. Instead, opt for seed potatoes, which can be found at farm supply stores. Look for potatoes with well-defined sprouts or "eyes."
Planting
Before planting, ensure the soil is well-tilled. Potatoes thrive in loose, well-draining soil. Begin by digging a trench approximately six inches deep. This depth allows for proper root development and facilitates hilling, a key step in potato cultivation. Plant them with the eyes facing upward, spaced approximately one foot apart within the trench.
Once the seed potatoes are in place, cover them with soil, leaving them approximately six inches below the surface. As the potato plants grow, periodically mound soil around the stems to prevent greening and encourage large tuber development. This process, known as hilling, helps protect the developing potatoes from exposure to sunlight.
Maintenance and Harvesting
Potatoes require minimal maintenance beyond regular watering and hilling. After approximately 90 days, the potato plants will begin to yellow and wither, indicating that they are ready for harvest. Carefully dig up the potatoes, being cautious not to damage them. Allow the harvested potatoes to cure in a cool, dark location for two weeks before storage.
Pest and Disease Management
While potatoes are relatively low-maintenance, they are susceptible to certain pests and diseases. Common issues include potato beetles and scab. Potato beetles can be controlled – if desired – by insecticides. Selecting scab-resistant potato varieties can help mitigate the risk of disease. Additionally, planting potatoes previously uncultivated soil can increase the likelihood of infestation by wireworms. Also, proper crop rotation is important; don’t plant potatoes where potatoes or corn was grown the year before.
Recommended Potato Varieties
Several potato varieties are well-suited for home cultivation. Classic choices include Kennebec for white potatoes, Red Norland for red potatoes, and Yukon Gold for golden potatoes. For those looking to experiment, Adirondack Blue offers a unique twist with its vibrant blue flesh.
Related Videos:
Growing Potatoes
Hilling Potatoes
Related Resources:
Potato
Growing potatoes in home gardens
Potatoes in the Home Garden
Choosing the Right Time to Plant
Potatoes can be planted early in the spring when the days are warmer, but there is still the chance for a light frost. Potatoes can tolerate light frost, making them resilient to cooler temperatures. In the Mid-South region, March is typically considered an ideal time to plant potatoes. However, depending on the weather, planting can extend into late February or early April. For those aiming for a fall harvest, planting in late July, or about 3 months before frost, is also an option.
Selecting Seed Potatoes
When selecting potatoes for planting, avoid using store-bought varieties, as they are often treated to prevent sprouting. Instead, opt for seed potatoes, which can be found at farm supply stores. Look for potatoes with well-defined sprouts or "eyes."
Planting
Before planting, ensure the soil is well-tilled. Potatoes thrive in loose, well-draining soil. Begin by digging a trench approximately six inches deep. This depth allows for proper root development and facilitates hilling, a key step in potato cultivation. Plant them with the eyes facing upward, spaced approximately one foot apart within the trench.
Once the seed potatoes are in place, cover them with soil, leaving them approximately six inches below the surface. As the potato plants grow, periodically mound soil around the stems to prevent greening and encourage large tuber development. This process, known as hilling, helps protect the developing potatoes from exposure to sunlight.
Maintenance and Harvesting
Potatoes require minimal maintenance beyond regular watering and hilling. After approximately 90 days, the potato plants will begin to yellow and wither, indicating that they are ready for harvest. Carefully dig up the potatoes, being cautious not to damage them. Allow the harvested potatoes to cure in a cool, dark location for two weeks before storage.
Pest and Disease Management
While potatoes are relatively low-maintenance, they are susceptible to certain pests and diseases. Common issues include potato beetles and scab. Potato beetles can be controlled – if desired – by insecticides. Selecting scab-resistant potato varieties can help mitigate the risk of disease. Additionally, planting potatoes previously uncultivated soil can increase the likelihood of infestation by wireworms. Also, proper crop rotation is important; don’t plant potatoes where potatoes or corn was grown the year before.
Recommended Potato Varieties
Several potato varieties are well-suited for home cultivation. Classic choices include Kennebec for white potatoes, Red Norland for red potatoes, and Yukon Gold for golden potatoes. For those looking to experiment, Adirondack Blue offers a unique twist with its vibrant blue flesh.
Related Videos:
Growing Potatoes
Hilling Potatoes
Related Resources:
Potato
Growing potatoes in home gardens
Potatoes in the Home Garden